PALF-PP Composite Preparation

Melt mixing method was used to mix PALF and PP. Various compositions
of PALF in PP were compounded in two-roll mill as shown in Figure 1. Table
3.2
indicates different fibre loadings that are presented in the PP matrix. Coupling
agent
- Compatibilizer Licomont AR 504 supplied by Clariant was added into the
30

compound to improve the durability and mechanical strength of the interface

region
between PALF and PP matrix. Its material data sheet is attached in Appendix B.
Figure 3.3 shows the natrium hidroxide used in chemical treatment and coupling
agent.
Table 3.2: PALF Reinforced PP Composites Composition

Figure 3.3: Left is the Natrium Hydroxide Used for Chemical Treatment while
the
Right is the Coupling Agent Licomont AR504 Used
Composition of PP and PALF were weighted accordingly and melt mixed for
a period of 30 minutes at temperature of 180C using Rapic two-roll mill. The
temperature was used as the optimum processing temperature for PP matrix but
not
exceeding that. Higher temperature would result in a reduction in strength and
31

modulus which may be due to the degradation of fibre. In addition, dispersion

of
PALF in PP matrix will be poor as there is a drop in viscosity at high
temperature.
The compounded composites were thermoformed by hot press machine with
thickness of 1 mm and 3 mm according to the specs that are required in testing
sample. The operating temperature was 190C with 15 minutes of preheat,
10minutes of compression and 12 minutes of cooling. Figure 3.4 (a) shows the
hot
press machine whereas Figure 3.4 (b) shows cooling machine for cooling
session.

Preheat was needed to melt the scattered compound from two-roll mill and to
promote flow of resin to every hill and valley of the fibre. In consequent, there
was
no significant resin reached or voids introduced. Last but not least, the thin
plates of
composites were trimmed and stored with silica gel. Figure 3.5 is the laminate
of
composite produced via hot press.
(a) (b)

Figure 3.4: Machineries: (a) Hot Press Machine and (b) Cooling Machine

Figure 3.5: PALF Reinforced PP Laminate Produced Via Hot Press Machine